Shakespeare's Secret

Title: Shakespeare's Secret

Author: Elise Broach

Publisher: Henry Holt

Year of Publication: 2005

Reader's Rating: 4

Excerpt: Hero changed into a T-shirt, grabbed a book, and padded barefoot into her sister's room. The large windows overlooked the backyard. She could see the moonlight streaming over the trees and bushes, making long, crazy shadows across the grass. Was there a diamond hidden out there somewhere?

In a Nutshell: When Hero starts sixth grade at a new school, she's less concerned about the literary origins of her Shakespearean name than about the teasing she's sure to suffer because of it. So she has the same name as a girl in a book by a dusty old author; Hero is simply not interested in the connections. But that's just the thing: Suddenly connections are cropping up all over, and odd characters and uncertain pasts are exactly what fascinate Hero. There's a mysterious diamond hidden in her new house, a curious woman next door who seems to know an awful lot about it, and then, well, then there's Shakespeare. Not to mention Danny Cordova, only the most popular boy in school. Is it all in keeping with her namesake's origin, or just much ado about nothing? Hero, being Hero, is determined to figure it out.

(SUMMARY NOT BY ME.)

The Fantastical Stuff: Hero, for one, I think is such an awesome name. She has a very bold personality and the mystery is puzzling, leaving you turning every page; reading every chapter; until you're done. I loved that her relationship with Danny was sort of like a brother-sister bond. (In the best way possible.) It really made me smile. 

The Not-so-fantastical Stuff: Danny's mom left him and his dad for her dream in an acting career. This was not a good decision on her part to just pack up and leave her family like that. Also, Danny is at Hero's house when no one is home with her. Nothing happens but that is another very bad decision.    

Wrap Up: This was an amazing book that I could not put down! I loved the story line and the characters. Although it had some iffy things intertwined with good, it was over all an exceedingly good book. A little touching at times, too. I definitely recommend this. It's just sitting there on the shelf. Go ahead. Pick it up. And read.